Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free taco seasoning (check your spice packets!), and gluten-free corn chips. Double-check your cheddar cheese soup as well, as not all brands are gluten-free.

Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish through the last cheese layer, cover, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Pop it in the oven to bake just before serving.

Will other flavored chips work instead of Fritos?

They sure will! Try nacho cheese tortilla chips or even barbecue-flavored chips for a bold twist. Each one will lend a slightly different personality to your bake.

What’s the best way to reduce the fat in this recipe?

Opt for lean ground beef, ground turkey, or chicken. Use reduced-fat cheese soup, and go easy on the shredded mozzarella for a lighter version that keeps all the flavor.

Walking Taco Bake Recipe

Description

This Walking Taco Bake is a delicious, family-friendly main course that combines seasoned ground beef, crunchy Fritos, melty cheese, and a creamy cheddar topping, all baked to perfection. It’s an easy, flavorful twist on traditional tacos that’s perfect for busy weeknights and sure to satisfy any taco craving!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Meat

1 lb Ground Beef
1 package Taco Seasoning (any brand, such as Taco Bell Seasoning)
2/3 cup Water

For the Frito Layer

1 large bag Chili Cheese Fritos (or plain Fritos)

For the Cheese Sauce

1/2 can Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese Soup
1/4 cup Whole Milk

For Topping

1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

Other

Butter (for browning ground beef)

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Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot, melt some butter over medium heat and add the ground beef. Stir occasionally until all the meat is browned. Drain excess grease from the cooked beef.
Season the Beef: Add water and taco seasoning to the browned meat. Stir well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed into the meat.
Assemble the Base: In an 8×8-inch baking dish, spread the Chili Cheese Fritos (or plain Fritos) evenly to form a layer on the bottom.
Add the Meat Layer: Spoon the prepared seasoned beef evenly over the Frito layer in the baking dish.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the cheddar cheese soup and whole milk. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and warmed through.
Add Cheese Sauce and Mozzarella: Pour the warm cheese sauce evenly over the beef layer. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake: Place the assembled dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Remove from oven, let it cool briefly, then scoop onto plates and enjoy your Walking Taco Bake!

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter version.
Add toppings like diced tomatoes, lettuce, or sour cream after baking for extra freshness and flavor.
If you prefer spicier flavor, use hot Fritos or add jalapeños on top before baking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 468
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 1200mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 68mg